We’re only now heading into NFL free agency, but it’s already been a wild offseason — trades, coaching changes and big-money contract extensions have been happening at every turn.
How will all of the movement affect the 2025 NFL Draft? As the legal tampering window opens, here’s a look at how the first three rounds could unfold:
1. Tennessee Titans: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Cam Ward is the best QB prospect in this draft. That doesn’t mean he’s a no-doubter, though, and if you’re going to make this pick — when you’re as bad as the Titans were last season — you need bust-proof. The only thing teams have to monitor with Carter is the Penn State star’s injury situation, but nothing there appears to be a long-term concern.
If the Titans can swing a trade, great. There’s no guarantee another team will want to come up in this draft, though.
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2. Cleveland Browns: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
We’ve heard enough smoke out of Cleveland to know the Browns are interested in taking a quarterback early this year, whether they should be or not. I wouldn’t do this, as Cleveland has an opportunity to improve the rest of its team before appointing a new savior (not to mention the Deshaun Watson situation is still unresolved). But I’m not Jimmy Haslam.
3. New York Giants: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
If cooler heads prevail and the Giants do something reasonable like sign a bridge backup while drafting a QB later, that’d feel like a win for both New York’s present and future — no matter who’s running the show long-term. Hunter immediately would improve whichever room he touches.
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
As was the case with Rashawn Slater a few years ago, the conversation surrounding Campbell’s short arm length is notable. It also might not be that big a deal, because the more you speak to Campbell and watch him play or work out, the more you see a long-term NFL starter — be it at tackle, guard or some combination of both.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
One of the biggest risers in the country, regardless of position, Membou has had his arrow pointed firmly upward since fall. There is rawness to his game compared to a player like Campbell, but he’s hardly a project. The 20-year-old Membou has the combination of size, power and athleticism to be an impact player immediately.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The best defensive lineman in this class by a bit, Graham also feels like one of the draft’s safest prospects. He’d fill a massive need for the Raiders, while giving them a potential new star in the process.
If you read between the lines, the Raiders’ trade for Geno Smith says everything you’d ever want to know about Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock.
7. New York Jets: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Maybe it’s East Coast bias or that he didn’t do anything at the combine, but it feels like nobody’s really talking about McMillan — and that’s a mistake. There are stretches on his Arizona tape when he almost looks bored, and he still made nearly 200 combined catches over the last two seasons. He is a gigantic athlete with hops for days.
8. Carolina Panthers: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
One of the top performers at the combine, nearly everything about Stewart’s athletic profile is elite — length, speed, burst and enough bend to deal with just about anything a pass rusher can encounter. The traits are more impressive than his production, but he also played in a crowded room.
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9. New Orleans Saints: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
One of the top physical specimens in this class, Warren has the ability to power through a linebacker as a run blocker or a ball carrier. His hand strength is off the charts, as is his ability to win in the air and adjust his 6-foot-5, 256-pound frame. To quote Boobie Miles’ uncle, L.V.: “And he can pass.”
10. Chicago Bears: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Ben Johnson was pretty clear that the offense he’ll run in Chicago won’t be the same as what he ran in Detroit. However, he’s still a member of the Dan Campbell coaching tree, and the Bears already added pieces at guard on Johnson’s watch. The first-time head coach knows Chicago’s offense won’t go anywhere until he builds Caleb Williams a real run game. This is step one — and Jeanty’s worth it.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Jalon Walker, LB/Edge, Georgia
Offensive line is a possibility for the 49ers, as is a more traditional edge. But this defense needs playmakers, and Walker is a unique weapon — he can do the job in the box or on the line of scrimmage. As San Francisco attempts to reshape itself on the fly, a dynamic talent like Walker could be a future star.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Don’t rule out a trade-up by Dallas, and there could be a few players in play, including Jeanty or even Mason Graham. Same time, the Cowboys are in good position to stand pat and find quality help on either front. On traits alone, Williams is a top-five player in this class.
13. Miami Dolphins: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
If Miami can’t figure out how to keep its quarterback on his feet and run the football without a gimmick, then the Mike McDaniel experiment is going to go the way of the Chargers-Brandon Staley split. There’s brilliance in the way Miami runs its offense, but the Dolphins have to get tougher if McDaniel is going to take the next step. Booker is a potential culture changer in the run game.
Did Alabama lineman Tyler Booker deliver the quote of the combine?
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— The Athletic (@theathletic.bsky.social) March 1, 2025 at 2:47 PM
14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Loveland’s shoulder injury is not expected to be a long-term issue. If he’s healthy, Loveland is the best route-running TE in this draft class. And though he provides a bit less pop than Warren as a blocker, he learned how to play that role effectively in a Jim Harbaugh offense. Loveland is a tough, productive, high-floor football player.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
We’ll see how big a slide Johnson takes. He’s pretty clearly the best cornerback in this class not named Travis Hunter, but he didn’t do much of anything as a junior in 2024. He flashed moments of greatness on his sophomore tape, though, and still finished his college career as the best Michigan cornerback since Charles Woodson.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The Cardinals have done an outstanding job maximizing their draft capital over Monti Ossenfort’s first two drafts. Now, it’s time for the next step. Edge could be a priority at 16, along with offensive tackle or guard — Banks can play either of those O-line spots.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Defensive coordinators who aren’t thinking outside the box with players such as Walker and Campbell do so at their own peril. Campbell is still a bit raw, but at 6-3 and nearly 240, he’s the type of defender that’s the future of pass rushers — and that future is now. Having a Micah Parsons-like wild card in your front seven can open up so much.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Despite his position, this might be Emmanwori’s floor. His athleticism, at 6-3, 220, is actually off the charts (he currently has the highest Relative Athletic Score score ever for a safety), and he just turned 21 a month ago. Emmanwori is a true hybrid defender with limitless potential — the exact type of prospect about which Mike Macdonald dreams.
Let Nick Emmanwori cook. 11’6” broad jump in addition to his 43” vert!
📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/w8ff6cmx0p— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2025
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
Ezeiruaku is the type of player who climbs your draft board every single time you watch one of his games. He plays with great effort and a deep, polished set of pass-rush moves. Ezeiruaku lives for the little details that turn pressures into sacks, and he had a terrific combine as the only defensive lineman to run a three-cone of under seven seconds (6.94).
20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Alvin Kamara was easily one of my favorite players (and probably yours, too) during Sean Payton’s run in New Orleans. Payton’s ability to make things happen for a quick, tough runner with IQ and feel in space is art. A complete three-down back like Hampton could unlock everything the Broncos and Bo Nix are trying to accomplish.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Yes, the Steelers need to draft a quarterback. But the Steelers need help in the secondary, and Barron, who surprised many with his speed and burst numbers at the combine, was an absolute ballhawk at Texas. He’s one of the smartest defenders in this class.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State
If Jim Harbaugh has said it once, he’s said it a hundred times: Offensive linemen are offensive weapons. The decision to select Joe Alt early last year paid immediate dividends, and though the Chargers could justify a few other spots here, “Harbaugh ball” goes nowhere without a great front. Zabel is a true five-position prospect along the line.
Zero surprise teams voted NDSU OL Grey Zabel as the top practice player at the Senior Bowl
Was outstanding all week long in every situation. College tackle with guard/center capability. Stock firmly up.
Getting a two-for-one here
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— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner.bsky.social) February 1, 2025 at 9:36 AM
23. Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Golden didn’t come out of nowhere this year — it only felt like it. Texas’ skill-position core under Steve Sarkisian has been absurdly loaded the last few seasons, and it was Golden’s turn to break out in 2024. His 4.29 40 at the combine backed up what his tape shows, in terms of speed and explosion.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Had Simmons (and, for that matter, center Seth McLaughlin) been healthy all year, Ohio State wouldn’t have lost a game. Simmons also would be all but locked in as a top-10 pick. A lot now depends on his medicals, but this would be an absolute steal. Don’t be surprised to see someone trade up for him.
25. Houston Texans: Donovan Jackson, G/OT, Ohio State
One man’s loss is another’s gain. When Simmons went down, Ohio State turned to Jackson — a multiyear starter at guard — to kick out to tackle, and the results were very good. Jackson, like Banks, could line up inside or outside, depending on what the team drafting him needs.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
Taylor, the son of Dolphins legend Jason Taylor and nephew of Zach Thomas, is extremely fluid in space with a good frame and consistent hands. His spatial awareness and dependability are outstanding. If the Rams keep adding pieces like this — not to mention newly signed Davante Adams — Matthew Stafford may never retire.
Mason Taylor, son of HOFer @JasonTaylor, ran a picturesque gauntlet drill 🙌
📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/U7wrIBpMFH— NFL (@NFL) March 1, 2025
27. Baltimore Ravens: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
On potential alone, Conerly is a top-20 prospect (maybe higher) in this class. He’s big, long, explosive, quick and has powerful hands with an ability to recover. His game can still look sloppy at times, but his flashes in both the run and pass game are outstanding.
28. New York Jets (projected trade with DET): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
(Jets trade Nos. 42 and 73 plus a 2026 mid-rounder to Detroit for No. 28)
It’s absolutely possible Sanders falls into the second round — his situation feels incredibly similar to what we saw with Will Levis back in 2023. Teams did not see Levis as a top-15 player, and most didn’t see him as a first-rounder.
It only takes one team, of course. Sanders is likely this draft’s best QB after Cam Ward, although the gap between the two is wider than many thought it’d be when the season ended. This scenario, with a team jumping back into the end of Round 1, could be how it plays out.
29. Washington Commanders: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Every team will have to do serious homework on Green’s past, as he’s been accused of sexual assault twice (once in high school, once at Virginia) — he denied and addressed those allegations during the combine. If a front office is comfortable with him, he’s a top-15 talent.
30. Buffalo Bills: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Teams can be afraid of Starks’ 4.5 40, the fact he’s more of a safety than a corner or his disappointing agility times. But this was the exact conversation many GMs overthought with Brian Branch, whose athletic profile is insanely similar to that of Starks. The 2024 season wasn’t Starks’ best, but his blend of ball skills and IQ could turn him into one of this draft’s steals.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The most QB-friendly receiver in this draft, Egbuka is this year’s version of Ladd McConkey or Amon-Ra St. Brown — super dependable with elite spatial awareness and a consistent habit of getting open in critical situations. The Chiefs could go a few ways here, but giving Patrick Mahomes a guy like Egbuka on the outside could be a cheat code.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The only question surrounding Harmon’s game is whether one year as a full-time contributor is enough to project his future. That year, 2024, was pretty impressive — Harmon flashed the ability to play at least three spots along the defensive front, then put together one of the best combines for an interior defender.
Round 2
33. Cleveland Browns: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
34. New York Giants: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
This feels like a much smarter use of resources for the Giants. Even if they have to jump back into the bottom of Round 1 for a QB, it’d be less of a risk than taking a shot at No. 2.
35. Tennessee Titans: Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
The Titans also do not have to do anything rash at quarterback, because they still could be in position to grab one of the top mid-round options in this draft. Dart and Shough have big arms and have seen a lot of football.
36. Jacksonville Jaguars: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
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37. Las Vegas Raiders: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
38. New England Patriots: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
39. Chicago Bears (from CAR): Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Grant is no longer a guaranteed first-rounder, but he’s still pretty close. Despite Grant skipping the Shrine Bowl and combine testing, his athletic flashes on tape (at 330-plus pounds) are ridiculous.
40. New Orleans Saints: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
41. Chicago Bears: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
42. Detroit Lions (projected trade with NYJ): Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Detroit is in a pretty great situation, no matter what happens this draft. The Lions could wait for premium talent to fall to them at No. 28 or take advantage of any lingering QB desperation by moving back and allowing Brad Holmes to do his thing.
43. San Francisco 49ers: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas
44. Dallas Cowboys: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
45. Indianapolis Colts: Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona
46. Atlanta Falcons: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
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47. Arizona Cardinals: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
48. Miami Dolphins: Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State
49. Cincinnati Bengals: Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
50. Seattle Seahawks: Marcus Mbow, OT, Purdue
51. Denver Broncos: Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon
52. Seattle Seahawks (from PIT): Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Milroe is going to need time, perhaps at least a full season of learning how to be an NFL quarterback. Though his athleticism alone could make him QB3 in this draft, Dart and Shough are firmly in front of him as far as being ready to contribute.
The Seahawks are starting over at QB and could use a young, developmental backup.
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53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
54. Green Bay Packers: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
We’ll see what happens, but there has been a lot of scouting buzz about Pearce’s lack of coachability during his time at Tennessee, to a point where some aren’t sure he’ll go in the first or second round. Could that be bluster, to a degree? Sure. Pearce’s talent is immense, but evaluators have concerns.
55. Los Angeles Chargers: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami
56. Buffalo Bills (from MIN): Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
57. Carolina Panthers (from LAR): Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
58. Houston Texans: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
59. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Burch, Edge, Oregon
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60. Detroit Lions: JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
61. Washington Commanders: Jack Bech, WR, TCU
62. Buffalo Bills: Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State
63. Kansas City Chiefs: Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary
64. Philadelphia Eagles: Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
Round 3
(Note: An asterisk designates a projected compensatory pick.)
65. New York Giants: Jared Ivey, Edge, Ole Miss
66. Kansas City Chiefs (from TEN): Joshua Simon, TE, South Carolina
67. Cleveland Browns: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
68. Las Vegas Raiders: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
69. New England Patriots: Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
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70. Jacksonville Jaguars: T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina
71. New Orleans Saints: Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech
72. Chicago Bears: Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss
73. Detroit Lions (projected trade with NYJ): Tate Ratledge, C/G, Georgia
74. Carolina Panthers: Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee
75. San Francisco 49ers: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
This might be too low for Porter, the 6-3, 195-pound former receiver who made the switch to cornerback just two years ago. Considering that he has a wingspan (80 inches) to make some offensive linemen jealous and ran a blazing 4.3 40, the Tariq Woolen comparisons will be flying off the shelf.
Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
4.30 🔥🔥🔥🔥
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner.bsky.social) February 28, 2025 at 3:28 PM
76. Dallas Cowboys: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
77. New England Patriots (from ATL): Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
78. Arizona Cardinals: Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas
79. Washington Commanders (from MIA): Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU
80. Indianapolis Colts: Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
81. Cincinnati Bengals: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
82. Seattle Seahawks: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
83. Pittsburgh Steelers: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina
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85. Denver Broncos: Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
86. Los Angeles Chargers: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
87. Green Bay Packers: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
88. Jacksonville Jaguars (from MIN): Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
Bond didn’t run the 40 he wanted in Indianapolis but still clocked a 4.41 and, interestingly enough, was the combine’s fastest receiver on the GPS — he hit 24.17 miles per hour (Golden came in at 23.57) and showed legitimate second-level speed, despite his diminutive size (5-10, 180).
89. Houston Texans: Jared Wilson, C/G, Georgia
90. Los Angeles Rams: Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College
91. Baltimore Ravens: Wyatt Milum, C/G, West Virginia
92. Seattle Seahawks (from DET): Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland
93. New Orleans Saints (from WAS): Jalen Rivers, OT, Miami
94. Cleveland Browns (from BUF): Robert Longerbeam, CB, Rutgers
4.40 ‼️
Heck of a day for Robert Longerbeam 💯
📺 #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/HrIzosUb6n
— Rutgers Football 🪓 (@RFootball) February 28, 2025
95. Kansas City Chiefs: Jackson Slater, G, Jackson State
96. Philadelphia Eagles: Kyle Kennard, Edge, South Carolina
97. Minnesota Vikings*: Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
98. Miami Dolphins*: Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech
99. San Francisco 49ers*: CJ West, DT, Indiana
100. Los Angeles Rams*: Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse
You aren’t going to find many quarterbacks in this class who throw a better ball. As dramatic as his exit from Ohio State was, he also supported his former Buckeyes teammates from afar as they won the national title. Don’t forget about him — NFL scouts haven’t.
Syracuse’s Kyle McCord showing off the deep ball!
📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/6X3hCOWWkK— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2025
101. Detroit Lions*: Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
(Top photo of Shedeur Sanders: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
